Headed and submitted by current serving PC Philippines Volunteer Erica Zimmer ( zimmer.erica@gmail.com )
The purpose is to celebrate the PC volunteers who have served and are currently serving in the area as well as celebrate the long running tradition of volunteerism in Ifugao. Ifugaos have a long tradition of lending a helping hand in in the rice terraces, particularly around the time of planting and harvest and I believe that this tradition should be recognized and celebrated. The Ifugaos have fought hard to preserve their culture and I think by learning about the rice terrace practices, it will not only serve as an opportunity for cultural exchange but also it will allow me to better understand the culture in which I live so that I can be a better volunteer for the Ifugaos. We will spend June 10-12, 2011 in the rice terraces of Hungduan to learn about and participate in the rice harvest practices and rituals as well as provide an outreach to the children of Hunguan by doing a Junior PCV leadership program, where we would talk to the kids about what it is like to be a volunteer and empower them to volunteer themselves.